Is someone joking with my folder icons?

[koko]

Hi!
We have 3 comps connected to ADSL modem-router and they have independent
Internet access. The modem router brought to us by internet provider.
On the comps we have winXP s .
When I ask to our provider about security issue, they told me not to worry ,
Because modem has one dynamic IP address(NAT feature-allows the entire LANto
Share 1 IP address), and from outside there is no
Chance to see IP addresses that each comp has. I mean from outside you can see modems IP but you can’t reach separate computers IPs.
One day I notice that my desktop standard icons ,(2 or 3 of them) are changed.And it happened several times , changing old icons with new and new unknown icons.
And that new icons are not in windows icon gallery that is accessible thru
Folder properties/Customize/Change icon gallery (list).But I never seen them before.
I have suspicious that someone is playing tricks from outside.
I never had any viruses add/spywhere.
What can it be ,someone have idea on subject?

[John0904]

Trojans are not restricted by routers. They grant the hacker complete access to your computer. If a decent software firewall is not running, you can be vulnerable. Trojans have to be downloaded and executed before they work.

I would make sure that your anti-virus is up to date. Then install a software firewall.

But if it a smart Trojan, your AV might be disabled and you might not be able to install a firewall.

After that, and if you are 100% sure that you are virus/Trojan free, then it has to be something else.

[classicsoftware]

1) Do you share files and printers on this network. If NOT turn off file and printer sharing.

2) Go on line for a visrus scan
here (http://housecall.trendmicro.com/) or here (http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/licence.php)

3) If you have an anti-virus porgram, update the definitions and scan with that. If you dont have one, get one here (http://www.avast.com/) or here (http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php)

4) If you are virus clean. The you need to check for spyware. First downlaod and install Spyware Blaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/) Second downlaod and installl Spybot Search & Destroy (http://download.com.com/3000-2144-10194058.html?tag=lst-0-1) and finally downlaod and Install Adaware (http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/). Update the definitions on all three programs. Then scan with Spybot and Adaware.

5) If you are still haveing problems, download and install Hijack This (http://s89223352.onlinehome.us/mirror/hjt/) Install it into it's own folder. Run the program and create a log DO NOT attempt to fix anything yourself. Post the results of the log into this discussion and people here will help you anaylize what is going on.

6) Download a software firewall as suggested by John0904 here (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp) or here (http://www.kerio.com/us/kerio.html)

Keep us posted as to what is happening after you follow these steps.

[Donn]

Koko said:

"The modem router brought to us by internet provider.
On the comps we have winXP s ."

If you are virused/trojan horsed with Win XP you will also need to reset your system restore, please read this:

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001111912274039?OpenDocument&src=sec_doc_nam


I forget who posted this (above) url, but... thanks, immensely helpful to us Xp and Me people.

[koko]

1. I turn off the Windows XP System Restore feature, made upgrade of Symantec Antivirus
Client and made scan of all HD, but Viruses found: 0.
2. Than I made upgrade of AdaWare 6 and scan of HD.I made it on regular basis and as usually
there was several New objects of low risk level.
So now I’m sure as before that there is no virus/Trojan factor.
3. Then I went as classicsoftware advice,to the Trend Micro online scan. Still no viruses.
4.I have download and install Spyware Blaster,
5.And Spybot Search and destroy,which found some items that Adaware cant.
Yesterday my psd and jpg files icons (that has problem with changing) change their face again to its original icons. Does it mean something good after all above efforts?
Another question is Firewall defense.
We have file and printer sharing ,and if i will download and install software firewall,
We’ll have problems in printer sharing, as in winXP’s own firewall, that we turn off
For that reason.

[Fruss Tray Ted]

What is psd?

Are these icons the ones held in a cookie similar to the Google and other various sites own icons that remain applied to an internet shortcut until cookies are deleted? Most of those are harmless unless they are tracking cookies.

[John0904]

Originally posted by Fruss Tray Ted
What is psd?
PSD is a Photoshop Format.
We have file and printer sharing ,and if i will download and install software firewall,
We’ll have problems in printer sharing, as in winXP’s own firewall, that we turn off
You should not have that problem with on the market firewalls.

Link needs to be copied and pasted in new browser window.
http://johns-page.netfirms.com/firewall.jpg